suspension Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2018 Owner's Manual

Warning LightWhat It Means What To Do
DYNAMIC DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE
The telltale will illuminate to signal a failure in the
dynamic drive control system.Contact an authorized dealer.
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
Signals a windshield wiper failure.
Contact an authorized dealer.
GENERIC INDICATION
Signals information and failures.
The accompanying messages describe the failure.Contact an authorized dealer.
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE FAILURE
This telltale will illuminate to report a four wheel drive
system failure.Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have
the failure eliminated.
AFS SYSTEM FAILURE
The telltale will illuminate to indicate the automatic
directional light system failure.
Go to an authorized dealer to have the system checked.
SOFT SUSPENSION CALIBRATION SELECTION — IF
EQUIPPED
The telltale will illuminate when the most comfortable
suspension setting is activated.
ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION — IF EQUIPPED
While driving, if the telltale illuminates, it signals a failure
in the suspension system.Contact an authorized dealer to have the system checked.
97

Note:
There may be a brief delay in shifting
to AWD mode after a tire slipping event
occurs.
If the system failure symbol switches
on, after starting the engine or while
driving, it means that the AWD system is
not working properly. If the warning
message activates frequently, it is
recommended to carry out the
maintenance operations.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the vehicle in
various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the path that
the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the vehicle’s effective
path. When the real path deviates from
the desired path, the ESC system
intervenes to counter the vehicle’s
understeer or oversteer.
Oversteer occurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer occurs when the vehicle is turning less than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
System Intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
Warning!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to
properly maintain your vehicle, may change
the handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (hydroplaning), and acceleration on
one or both drive wheels on roads that
are slippery, snowy, icy, etc. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
If the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine.
If the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the Brake Limited
Differential (BLD) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behavior of a self-locking
differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to
the wheel which isn't slipping.
System Intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel, to
inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
105

STARTING AND OPERATING
Let’s get to the core of the vehicle, and
see how you can explore its fullest
potential. We’ll look at how to drive
safely in any situation, making it a
welcome companion with our comfort
and wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE........146
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF
EQUIPPED ............... .149
ELECTRIC PARK BRAKE ........149
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION .....152
ALFA DNA PRO SELECTOR ......158
ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION (AAS) . .161
STOP/START SYSTEM .........161
SPEED LIMITER .............163
SPEED CONTROL
(CRUISE CONTROL) ..........164
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) —
IF EQUIPPED .............. .166
PARK SENSORS SYSTEM .......173
LANE DEPARTURE WARNING (LDW)
SYSTEM — IF EQUIPPED .......176
REAR BACK-UP CAMERA / DYNAMIC
GRIDLINES .............. .179
REFUELING THE VEHICLE .......180
VEHICLE LOADING ...........182
SUGGESTIONS FOR DRIVING .....183
145

ALFA DNA PRO SELECTOR
Alfa DNA Pro System
This vehicle is equipped with a Alfa DNA
Pro system selector (located on the
center console). There are four modes of
operation to be selected according to
driving style and road conditions:
d = Dynamic (sports driving mode).
n = Natural (mode for driving in normal
conditions).
a = Advanced Efficiency (ECO driving
mode for maximum fuel savings).
RACE = track race driving mode.
= Adjusts the calibration of the
active suspension.
Unlike the other modes, the RACE
position does not latch; therefore, by
rotating the selector to RACE, it will
return to its initial position "d". On the instrument panel display, the
different modes are characterized by
different colors:
Natural - Blue
Dynamic - Red
Advanced Efficiency - Green
RACE - Yellow
Each driving mode is graphically different
in frame color and contents of each
individual "performance" screen.
Driving Modes
"Natural" Mode
“Natural” Mode is characterized by
reduced engine performance and ECO
shifting strategy for the automatic
transmission. Activation
It is activated by rotating the selector to
the letter "n"; the display will light up in
blue.
The "Performance" screen graphically
reproduces some parameters closely
linked to the efficiency of the driving
style, with a view to limiting consumption.
07076S0004EMAlfa DNA Pro System Selector07076S0003EMMode Display
07116S0002EMNatural Mode
07116S0001EMNatural Mode Performance Display
158
STARTING AND OPERATING

ALFA ACTIVE SUSPENSION
(AAS)
The vehicle's electronic suspension
management system is aimed at
optimizing the vehicle's performance.
The system continuously monitors the
damping of the suspensions through the
actuator installed on each shock
absorber. This way, the calibration of the
shock absorbers can be adjusted to the
conditions of the road surface and to the
dynamic conditions of the vehicle,
improving its comfort and road holding.
The driver can choose, even while driving,
(only in "Dynamic” mode), between two
types of suspension calibration: a more
sporty or a more comfortable one.
By pushing the button, the system
changes the shock absorber calibration.
In case of a system failure, the symbol
and a dedicated message will be
shown on the instrument panel display.
STOP/START SYSTEM
The Stop/Start system automatically
shuts off the engine during a vehicle stop
if the required conditions are met.
Releasing the brake pedal or accelerator
pedal will automatically restart the
engine.
The function was developed to increase
vehicle efficiency by reducing fuel
consumption, gas emissions, and sound
pollution.
Note:When the Stop/Start system
stops the engine, the power steering is
also disabled.
Operating Mode
Stopping The Engine
With the vehicle at a standstill and brake
pedal pressed, the engine switches off if
the gear selector is in a position other
than REVERSE (R).
The system does not operate when the
gear selector is in REVERSE (R), in order
to make parking maneuvers easier.
In the event of stops uphill, engine
switching off is disabled to make the "Hill
Start Assist" function available (works
only with running engine).
Note: The engine can only be
automatically stopped after having run at
about 6 mph (10 km/h). After an
automatic restart, the vehicle only needs
to exceed a speed of 0.3 mph (0.5 km/h)
to stop the engine. Engine stopping is signaled by the
symbol lighting up on the instrument
cluster display.
Restarting The Engine
To restart the engine, release the brake
pedal.
With the brake pressed and the
transmission in automatic mode DRIVE
(D), the engine will restart by shifting to
REVERSE (R), to PARK (P) or to
"AutoStick".
With brake pressed if the gear selector is
in "AutoStick" mode, the engine will
restart by shifting to PARK (P) or by
moving the selector to + or -.
System Manual Activation/
Deactivation
To manually activate/deactivate the
system, push the button located in the
control panel on the left of the steering
wheel.
0604132232USAlfa Active Suspension Button
07126V0001NAStop/Start On/Off Button
161

Audio system not available: If the
display shows a message that the audio
system is not available, it means that the
acoustic signal will be emitted by the
instrument panel, and not through the
vehicles speakers.
Note: Some conditions may influence
the performance of the Park Sensors
System:
Reduced sensor sensitivity could be
due to the presence of ice, snow, mud, or
thick paint on the surface of the sensor.
The sensors may detect a false
obstacle (echo interference) due to
mechanical interference, for example
when washing the vehicle or in extreme
weather.
The signals sent by the sensors can
be altered by the presence of ultrasonic
systems (e.g. pneumatic brake systems
of trucks or pneumatic drills) near the
vehicle.
System performance can be
influenced by the position of the
sensors. For example, due to a change in
the ride setting (caused by wear to the
shock absorbers or suspension), by
changing tires, overloading the vehicle or
operations that require the vehicle to be
lowered.
Be sure not to place bumper stickers
or other adhesives over the sensors as
this will affect system performance.
Warning!
Before using the Park Sensors System, it
is strongly recommended that the ball
mount and hitch ball assembly is
disconnected from the vehicle when the
vehicle is not used for towing. Failure to do
so can result in injury or damage to vehicles
or obstacles because the hitch ball will be
much closer to the obstacle than the rear
fascia when the loudspeaker sounds the
continuous tone. Also, the sensors could
detect the ball mount and hitch ball
assembly, depending on its size and shape,
giving a false indication that an obstacle is
behind the vehicle.
Drivers must be careful when backing up
even when using the Park Sensors System.
Always check carefully behind your vehicle,
look behind you, and be sure to check for
pedestrians, animals, other vehicles,
obstructions, and blind spots before
backing up. You are responsible for safety
and must continue to pay attention to your
surroundings. Failure to do so can result in
serious injury or death.
Caution!
The Park Sensors System is only a
parking aid and it is unable to recognize
every obstacle, including small obstacles.
Parking curbs might be temporarily
detected or not detected at all. Obstacles
located above or below the sensors will not
be detected when they are in close
proximity.
The vehicle must be driven slowly when
using the Park Sensors System in order to
be able to stop in time when an obstacle is
detected. It is recommended that the driver
looks over his/her shoulder when using the
Park Sensors System.
175

Warning!
Never have any smoking materials lit in or
near the vehicle when the fuel door is open
or the tank is being filled.
Never add fuel when the engine is running.
This is in violation of most state and federal
fire regulations and may cause the MIL to
turn on.
A fire may result if gasoline is pumped
into a portable container that is inside of a
vehicle. You could be burned. Always place
gas containers on the ground while filling.
Note: If the filler compartment is
washed with a pressure washer, keep it at
a distance of at least 8 inches (20 cm).
VEHICLE LOADING
Certification Label
As required by National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration regulations, your
vehicle has a certification label affixed to
the driver's side door or pillar.
This label contains the month and year of
manufacture, Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) front and rear, and Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN). A
Month-Day-Hour (MDH) number is
included on this label and indicates the
Month, Day and Hour of manufacture. The
bar code that appears on the bottom of
the label is your VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total permissible
weight of your vehicle including driver,
passengers, vehicle, options and cargo.
The label also specifies maximum
capacities of front and rear axle systems
(GAWR). Total load must be limited so
GVWR and front and rear GAWR are not
exceeded.
Payload
The payload of a vehicle is defined as the
allowable load weight a truck can carry,
including the weight of the driver, all
passengers, options and cargo.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum permissible
load on the front and rear axles. The load
must be distributed in the cargo area so
that the GAWR of each axle is not
exceeded.
Each axle GAWR is determined by the
components in the system with the
lowest load carrying capacity (axle,
springs, tires or wheels). Heavier axles or
suspension components sometimes
specified by purchasers for increased
durability does not necessarily increase
the vehicle's GVWR.
Tire Size
The tire size on the Vehicle Certification
Label represents the actual tire size on
your vehicle. Replacement tires must be
equal to the load capacity of this tire size.
Rim Size
This is the rim size that is appropriate for
the tire size listed.
Inflation Pressure
This is the cold tire inflation pressure for
your vehicle for all loading conditions up
to full GAWR.
182
STARTING AND OPERATING

Warning!
You or others can be badly burned by hot
engine coolant (antifreeze) or steam from
your radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do not open the
hood until the radiator has had time to cool.
Never try to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is
hot.
Caution!
Driving with a hot cooling system could
damage your vehicle. If temperature gauge
reads “H”, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle
the vehicle with the air conditioner turned
off until the pointer drops back into the
normal range. If the pointer remains on the
“H”, turn the engine off immediately, and call
for service.
Note:
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and contact an authorized dealer.
If the engine continues to overheat or
frequently overheats, have the cooling
system inspected. The engine could be
seriously damaged unless repairs are
made. Contact an authorized dealer.
TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE
This section describes procedures for
towing a disabled vehicle using a
commercial towing service.
Caution!
The vehicle should be transported with all
four wheels OFF the ground on the flatbed
of a roadside assistance vehicle. Avoid
towing with only the front (or rear) wheels
lifted. When towing with only the front (or
rear) wheels lifted, in addition to damaging
the body, it could damage the transmission.
Do not use sling-type equipment when
towing. Vehicle damage may occur.
When securing the vehicle to a flatbed
truck, do not attach to front or rear
suspension components. Damage to your
vehicle may result from improper towing.
Ensure that the Electric Park Brake is
released, and remain released, while being
towed.
Damage from improper towing is not
covered under the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Note: If your vehicle is equipped with a
Anti-Lift Protection system, you will need
to disable the system prior to towing by
pushing the button located on the
overhead console. Refer to “Anti-Lift
Protection — If Equipped” in “Getting To
Know Your Vehicle” for further
information.
The operators of the assistance vehicle
must be informed with regard to the
vehicle's minimum height from ground in
order to avoid contact between the ends
of the bumpers with the equipment of the
breakdown truck.
The following image illustrates the front
and rear attachment corners of the
vehicle, to be taken into consideration
when loading the vehicle on the
commercial towing vehicle.
204
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

equipment dealer with any questions you
may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.
Warning!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating,
or speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for
your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load index
or capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a
smaller load index could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can result
in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle
control.
Caution!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
Note: For vehicles equipped with Tire
Service Kit instead of a spare tire, please
refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Caution!
Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact or
limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
spare tire and wheel equivalent in look
and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear
axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may
be used in the tire rotation for your
vehicle. If your vehicle has this option,
refer to an authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a compact
spare by looking at the spare tire
description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire. Compact spare tire
descriptions begin with the letter “T” or
“S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to
mount a conventional tire on the compact
spare wheel, since the wheel is designed
specifically for the compact spare tire.
Do not install more than one compact
spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at any
given time.
237

While studded tires improve
performance on ice, skid and traction
capability on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded tires.
Some states prohibit studded tires;
therefore, local laws should be checked
before using these tire types.
Tire Chains (Traction Devices)
Use of traction devices require sufficient
tire-to-body clearance. Follow these
recommendations to guard against
damage.
Note:
Traction device must be of proper
size for the tire, as recommended by the
traction device manufacturer
Use on Rear Tires Only
Due to limited clearance, the
following traction devices are
recommended:
For a 285/40R20 tire, use of a
zero-clearance snow traction device
recommended.
Caution!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that
only traction devices in good condition are
used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could indicate device
breakage. Remove the damaged parts of
the device before further use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km).
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
Observe the traction device
manufacturer’s instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device
manufacturer’s if it is less than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tire Rotations - Do Not Rotate Tires
Due to different size tires and wheels on
front and rear axles tire rotation is not
possible.
Caution!
Damage to the vehicle may occur if front
and rear tires are rotated
In the case of irregular wear of the tires
identify the cause and correct it as soon
as possible, by contacting an authorized
dealer.
240
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE